rainforest love

love is in the air which can only mean the valentine's day flower hunt is heating up. if you swoon for the artfully arranged blooms featured in the dreamiest weddings, yet ever elusive at the corner florist, do have a peek at rainforest if you call oahu home. floral designer and shop proprietor michael miyashiro creates the most lush bouquets and just happens to be one of the very first eco-sensitive florists in the islands.

now you know why michael was chosen to style all the flowers required on my wedding day. he is truly an artiste and his lei designs, reknowned far beyond the islands for their intricate beauty, are what first led me to his shop. our moms absolutely adored the lei they were given on our wedding day and raved about their exquisite craftsmanship. high praise considering the many lei they have worn over the years! our wedding maile (which we exchanged in place of rings) were each beautifully wrapped in a pu'olo, as instructed by our kahus, and remains the loveliest maile lei we have been lucky enough to wear.

but let's allow the flowers to speak for themselves . . .

a lovely pu'olo

protea pretties

ti leaf wrapped gardenias

ravishing spring blossoms

i also love that michael looks to the stars to create birthday flowers inspired by your zodiac sign, and designs arrangements tailor made for your fella.

the rainforest 'ohana will be busy playing cupid this valentine's weekend so just know that pre-orders and pickups are welcome, and oahu deliveries are available for a fee. lei can also be shipped to the mainland.

• where: kilohana square, 1016 kapahulu avenue
• valentine's hours: fri to sun, 7a to 7p & mon, 6a to 7p
• shop hours: mon to sat, 7a to 5p

have you discovered any more eco-friendly, indie florist shops around the islands? if so, please share!

p.s. if you are searching for more valentine's ideas, wander through the blossoms to find the perfect petals.

{photo credit: rainforest}